berabee-writes

[berabee-writes]

the devil's plaything

part three.

Saturday ~

I slept in till noon. I had never felt so shitty in my life. I never wanted to drink or go to a party again. I laid there in bed for a while blankly staring at the ceiling. Last night felt like a dream. Well, more like a nightmare. 

I rolled onto my side, grabbed my phone, and went on instagram. A pic of Chloe and Alissa at the top of my feed. I rubbed my eyes and groaned. What was I going to do about them? I can’t just go on pretending like everythings normal. I always knew they were closer, and I was okay with that even if it sometimes stung. It's never fun being in a trio. I felt so blindsided last night. How could they? I tapped my notification tab, noticing I had one unread. 

nate_jacobs18 started following you. 12h

I jolted up. A reminder. He wasn’t done with me. 

I debated on blocking him but I knew he’d most likely give me shit for it. I also didn’t want to seem “weak” or intimidated. So I requested to follow him. I couldn’t help but feel like last night was a warning. I mean it was. But I felt like I was in danger now, knowing this not so secret “secret”. I replayed the words “I could ruin your life in a second.” over and over in my head. Fuck. He was getting to me. He was quite literally in my head now.

The situation with my “friends” could wait. I had to plan. Nate is always three steps ahead. He probably already has something on me, bullshit or not. He’s a rich white boy, the star of the football team. His family has connections everywhere. If he wanted to bury me, he could.

I needed leverage.

There was only one thing I could think of. The sex tape. If there actually was one. The accusation alone of his dad having sex with an underage girl would not be good for his family. But, oh man if I had proof. Those girls at the party were right. The Jacobs family would be sooo fucking over. But I mean hey it’s not like I’d do anything with it other than hold it over his head. He would never be able to threaten me again and I could live peacefully.

I knew it wasn't just a rumor judging by Nate’s reaction last night. But the tape part, that was debatable. There had to be some truth in it though. But who would even have it? His dad, obviously. But were there copies? How would I even get the tape? Did Nate know about the tape? I stopped myself. 

Did I even wanna go up against the Jacobs family–let alone Nate’s scary ass? 

Maybe if I was careful enough. I realized I'd been pacing around my room at that point. I let out a frustrated sigh and sat down on my bed.

Nate had scared me last night. But I couldn't let him scare me off. 

I was getting that tape. One way or another.

Sunday ~

I was finishing up some homework for English class when my mom knocked on my door, telling me that she made dinner. I put my work in a binder and shoved it in my backpack. 

The house smelled like garlic and butter, my mom stood at the stove stirring something in a pan. She looked tired.

My mom stopped working about 6 months ago, when my dad got a job at a real estate development company in town. My dad thought it would be good for the family. Way better pay and benefits than his last job. Mom wouldn’t have to work anymore. But now he was always home late, and barely spoke when he was home. He was always checked out, or having to step out of the room for "business" calls.

I felt bad for my mom, she deserved better. I missed the way things used to be.

“I made some pasta–new recipe.” She smiled at me and served some into two bowls.

“Dad working late?” 

“Mhm.” Her smile faltered, she nodded and set the bowls down on the table.

I grabbed forks from the drawer and handed one to her.

Dinner was quiet.

My mom asked about school and friends, I told her everything’s fine.

She studied me for a moment. 

“You okay honey?”

I forced a small smile and nodded. 

“Yeah, I’m just tired. Lots of homework.”

She didn’t push. My mom never did. But I could tell she didn’t believe me. I felt a little guilty for not opening up but I didn’t want to cause her any stress.

After dinner I went to my room and opened up my laptop. I needed to find anything I could about Nate and his family. I went onto Instagram first. Nate accepted my follow request. Perfect. I scrolled through his profile, there wasn’t much on it. Football, gym, and family vacation pics.

Nothing seemed to click til I found myself on Maddy Perez’ profile. It was a mix of selfies, group photos at parties, and fashionable outfits. A perfectly curated feed. Confidence practically radiated through the phone.

Could she have the tape? I knew if anyone knew anything about Nate and his family. It was her. 

It didn’t feel like enough though. I pulled up Google and started searching–”Cal Jacobs East Highland”. One of the first results was a company website. A sleek, corporate looking homepage with a banner photo of modern houses. My stomach twisted.

It was the company my dad worked for.

I blinked and reread the name, hoping I’d just seen it wrong, Nope. It was right there.

My chest tightened as I scrolled down.

Founder and CEO: Cal Jacobs.

I sat back against the headboard of my bed. Nate’s dad was my dad’s boss.

How the hell did I not put this together sooner?

I stared at my laptop, my mind racing. Does Nate know my dad works for his dad? Could he get my dad fired? Would he do that? I could feel my palms start to sweat. Fuck, now I really needed this tape. 

I thought of who else could know about the tape. Obviously the rumor was getting around. Did Jules know? I wouldn’t even know what I would say to her. “Hey did you know there's a sex tape of you and Nate Jacobs dad? Well I need it”. I could never.

Maddy was still my best bet. But I had no idea how to approach her in general–let alone something as crazy as this. Should I be friendly? Should I just be straight up and tell her the situation? She has to understand, knowing Nate better than me. Maybe I could DM her?

I went to her profile to message her and started to type.

“Hey I need to talk to you”

I paused for a second before deleting it.

This had to be done in person. I sighed and closed my laptop.

Tomorrow. I’d talk to her at school. That was the plan.

Monday ~

I woke up feeling like I hadn’t slept at all.

I was already anxious about my plan and worried Nate would try to talk to me again. I shook it off and got ready for school. I wore a white tank top and some low rise denim jeans. I straightened my hair, put on some makeup, and left before I could overthink anything.

I walked through the halls and everything felt louder. My head was pounding from lack of sleep and I hadn’t seen Maddy or Nate yet. I decided to wait till lunch to talk to her. I figured I'd catch her before she made it to the cafeteria and we’d talk somewhere private.

I was halfway to class when I spotted Nate coming towards me. My stomach clenched.

I braced myself, expecting him to say something. Maybe another veiled threat followed by a compliment. But he didn't even look at me. He walked past like I wasn't there. Jaw clenched and his eyes set straight ahead.

I kept walking but I couldn’t ignore how weird that was. How uneasy it made me feel. Why ignore me now? Did he somehow already know what I was planning? Was he planning something?

I shook my head and kept walking. I was paranoid. He couldn’t possibly know.

I counted down the minutes until class was over. As soon as the bell rang I headed for the water fountain by Maddy’s locker. There she was, putting some textbooks inside. 

I exhaled slowly and tried to mentally prepare myself. I took a step forward and stopped.

Nate came out of nowhere, grabbing Maddy’s wrist and practically dragging her away. He turned left down the hall, I quickly followed but kept my distance. He pulled her aside into another hallway that nobody really used. I approached, hiding behind the corner. 

I couldn’t see them but I could hear Nate’s voice, low and sharp.

Maddy sounded pissed. Annoyed. Like Nate was acting crazy.

“Nate I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“Maddy I swear to god if you lie to me one more time–I know you took it.” Nate raised his voice.

“I didn't take anything.”

“You’re such a fucking liar.” Nate scoffed. 

“This is exactly why we’re broken up–you just jump to conclusions without any fucking evidence.” Maddy snapped back.

I heard Nate laugh under his breath.

It was about the tape. It had to be.

I swallowed hard and got the hell out there.

I went to the nearest bathroom and locked myself in a stall, my heart still pounding. I looked down at my hands that couldn’t stop shaking.

Fuck.

Nate was already 3 steps ahead, per usual. 

I wasn’t stupid for thinking Maddy might have the tape, but I was extremely stupid for thinking she’d admit it to me. If she didn't tell Nate, she definitely wasn’t telling me. And if he already knew, I had to move quickly. 

I unlocked and pushed open the stall door and went to the sink and turned on the faucet. I splashed some cold water on my face and looked in the mirror. My face was pale. Get it together y/n.

I racked my brain. 

Maddy had cheer practice on Thursdays. Same time I had track. She’d leave her bag in the locker room. 

All I had to do was poke around, check for any leads or clues. Maybe even the tape itself if I was lucky.

I wasn’t backing down.

I was being strategic. 

All I had to do was be quick. 

Right?

[berabee-writes]

the devil's plaything

part two.

Wednesday ~

I managed to convince myself my last two encounters with Nate were just mere meaningless coincidences. 

We didn't acknowledge each other at school although he seemed to be everywhere I was.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary till tonight. My phone buzzed.

nate_jacobs18 liked your post.

My heart immediately started to race.

I opened up instagram to see he liked THREE of my posts.

What the fuck?

I tapped his profile. Private. Of course.

Before I could even think I found myself on Maddy Perez’s profile.

I didn't know much about Nate and Maddy’s relationship. I knew they were very on and off. I used to see them in the halls sometimes, often arguing. I assumed they were broken up by the lack of photos of her and Nate on her instagram.

Maybe he was just trying to make her jealous. Maybe he was just bored.

Still, something about it felt off.

What does he want from me? Why do I even care?

Thursday ~

I tried my hardest to ignore Nate Jacobs till he practically cornered me in the parking lot afterschool at my car.

It was 4:30 pm, and I was absolutely exhausted from track practice. My legs ached and all I wanted to do was go home and shower.

But of course, there he was.

Nate stood there, leaned against my car like he belonged there, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were already on me before I could even pretend I hadn't noticed him.

I stopped a few feet away, gripping the strap of my bag a little tighter. 

“Can I help you?”

His eyes dragged over me slowly, assessing.

“You’re pretty fast.”

I blinked, caught off guard.

“What?”

“At practice.” 

He nodded toward the track in the distance. 

“Didn't know you ran.”

I tilted my head slightly, in confusion. I glanced around at the basically empty parking lot. 

“You were watching me?”

Nate didn't answer right away. He just held my gaze, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was deciding whether or not to entertain me.

I furrowed my eyebrows and stepped forward, unlocking my car. He didn't move an inch.

“You’re always in such a rush.”

“Maybe I just have better things to do.”

Nate let out a quiet scoff, his eyes dragged over me like he was picking apart everything I wasn't saying.

“Yeah? Like what?”

I frowned. 

“Why do you care?”

He let out a short chuckle, shaking his head.

“I don't,” he said smoothly. “Just making conversation.”

I clenched my jaw. If that were true, then why the hell did he ask? 

“Well, are you done?” 

I gave him a look and gestured toward my car, silently telling him to move.

His eyes stayed locked on mine, unreadable but piercing. Just when the silence started to stretch too long, he finally pushed off my car.

“For now.” He smirked.

He stepped past me, brushing my shoulder as he walked away. I stood there for a moment and let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding.

I’d dealt with a lot of confusing shit before, but this? This was something else. Why was he watching me at practice? Why was he waiting for me at my car? What did he want? All I knew is that it probably wasn't anything good.

Nate Jacobs was playing some kind of game.

And I had no idea what the rules were.

Friday ~

The day you’ve all been waiting for. The day I seriously fucked myself over. I made mistake after mistake, and you’re probably wishing I was smarter. 

Trust me, I wish I was too. 

I avoided Nate at school all day again, not that he seemed to care. Still, I felt on edge. Monday's emotions of dread hit me like a bus. I wondered if those feelings ever really left. 

I was relieved when Chloe and Alissa mentioned a party that was happening later that night. Thank god. I needed a stress free night with my girls.

I started getting ready around 10, I knew I'd be late but I didn't really care.

I took extra care in getting ready. I put on a short strapless black dress and put on some winged eyeliner, which took forever to do. I made sure to spritz on my favorite perfume before I ordered a ride. I tried my hardest to ignore the pit in my stomach as I sat awkwardly in the uber.

It was past 11 pm when I got to the party, I stepped out of the car and let out a relieved sigh. I wished for a fun night with my friends and no problems. Maybe I didn't wish hard enough.

The music was loud, I could feel the bass in my chest. The air inside was thick with alcohol, sweat, and the skunky/sweet scent of weed. 

People were everywhere.

I could tell I was late by the sheer number of wasted people. I knew I was really late when I spotted Chloe and Alissa in the corner, laughing with a group of girls I barely recognized. I pushed through a group of people and made my way over to them.

Then I heard it.

“I mean, we only invited her because we felt bad.” Chloe scoffed, her voice just loud enough to cut through the music.

Alissa snorted. “I bet she’s gonna show up all dressed up like she’s hot shit.”

“She's probably not even going to show up.” Chloe said, nudging Alissa with her elbow. They giggled and sipped their stupid seltzers.

Those bitches.

Something sharp twisted in my stomach. I didn’t wait to hear the rest. I wanted to burst into tears. I turned to go into the kitchen, I brushed past a couple making out against the fridge and a drunk guy, sloppily pouring shots for his friends.

I grabbed a beer off the counter and twisted the cap off without thinking, chugging the entire bottle.

It tasted like piss. Perfect.

Stupid. I felt so fucking stupid. For getting all dressed up, coming, and hoping I would just have a fun night with my friends. 

This was only the beginning. I regretted everything. I still do sometimes when I think back. 

I needed air. Quickly.

I poured myself a rum and coke, heavy on the rum. I wandered down a hall, hoping to find a bathroom. The music dulled. I walked past a couple girls whispering. 

“Yeah his dad, Cal Jacobs.”

“Wait–so he fucked her??”

The girl pointed over at Jules who was dancing in the living room. I recognized her from my English class. She seemed sweet and had an amazing sense of style.

“Yeah and I guess he like…recorded it too?”

“Girl whattt? Does anybody have it?”

“I dont know, but if they do, the Jacobs family is so fucking over.”

My grip tightened around my red solo cup. My face went hot. 

Did I hear that right? Cal Jacobs? As in…Nate’s dad? 

What. The. Fuck.

Well, I was 100% NOT supposed to hear that.

I chugged the rest of my drink hoping to forget whatever I just heard. 

Before I could even decide whether to stay or leave, a sudden yell and the abrupt stop of the music made my stomach twist even more.

“COPS!!!” 

The house exploded into chaos. A sea of panicked bodies shoved towards all possible exits. The person in the bathroom nearly knocked me over as he fled.

Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion. I couldn't tell if it was the alcohol in me or the anxiety.

I snapped out of it and tried to push through the crowd, but it was impossible. The house was overpacked and the cops were already entering the house. I attempted to run the opposite way, to the backyard but then I heard a deep voice and the sounds of chatter on a walkie talkie behind me. 

“Not so fast. Stay right there, miss.”

My heart dropped, and I felt like I was going to pass out. I turned around and a flashlight beamed in my eyes. 

I'd never been in trouble before. Not like this. I saw my bright future slipping away and my parents' disappointed faces, picking me up from the police station. 

Shit. Fuck. Please. 

I prayed silently. Please. Anything. Literally anything other than this. Pretty please?

“Please sir can i just go h–”

“Officer Thorn, she's with me.”

My stomach twisted for about the 100th time that night.

Nate Jacobs.

He was calm. Too calm. The officer barely spared him a second glance before lowering his flashlight.

“Oh–didn’t realize she was one of yours.” 

The officer chuckled.

One of his?

Nate laughed under his breath and flashed a smile at the officer.

“I’ll get her home safe.”

The officer nodded, waving us off.

I was off the hook but at what cost? 

My so-called friends were long gone. My phone was dead. Great. 

The pit in my stomach only grew as I walked with Nate out of the house.

The cool air outside felt refreshing but the adrenaline from the chaos inside hadn't worn off yet. I thought I might puke, and now with Nate beside me, I was spiraling. He could tell just by the look on my face.

I stood there drunkenly on the grass trying to turn my phone on.

Nate smirked at me and jerked his head towards his truck across the street.

“C'mon, I'll take you home.”

“Can you just call me an uber or something, I'll pay you back.” I slurred.

Nate frowned and shook his head.

“C’mon, y/n. It’s late, you’re drunk. I don't trust some creep-ass uber driver getting you home.”

“I don't trust you either.” I mumbled and walked down the lawn to the sidewalk.

Nate followed after me as I looked around for any familiar faces but everyone was gone, except the stragglers inside, currently being arrested. I knew I couldn't stay here.

“I'm not gonna do anything to you. I'm literally just trying to get you home safe.” 

Nate sounded almost annoyed, which pissed me off even more than I already was. 

How could I be so stupid to put myself in a situation like this? Where Nate fucking Jacobs is my last resort. 

I groaned and crossed my arms. I wanted to lay down and forget this night happened, even though it wasn't over yet. 

I knew I was out of options and it was getting late. The last thing I wanted to do was get into his truck.

I had no choice.

And Nate knew it.

I stumbled after Nate as he led me to his truck. It felt like a butcher leading a lamb to slaughter. He opened the door for me and I reluctantly climbed in. 

The silence in the car felt suffocating. I leaned my head against the window and watched the streetlights as we drove past them. 

We were getting close to my house when Nate finally spoke. 

“You owe me.”

I perked up, turning to look at him. 

“What?”

“Don’t make me remind you, cause I will.”  

Nate shot me a glare. 

I sat up straighter, the alcohol in me was fueling my frustration.

“I don't owe you shit.” I said with clenched teeth.

Nate laughed and shook his head, gripping the steering wheel tighter. He kept his eyes on the road.

I could feel myself getting angrier by the minute. I was so tired of seeing that smug grin, his dumb fucking face, and the anxiety I felt just being around him.

“Your ass would’ve been in the county jail tonight if I wasn't here. You think you could’ve gotten out of that yourself?” 

He spoke in the most condescending tone. He made me feel small. Stupid. Helpless. 

“You don't know me. I didn't need your help.” I shot back.

I knew I was wrong. I knew I would’ve been absolutely fucked. But he doesn't need to know that. 

“y/n I could smell the alcohol on you as soon as I stepped in. You would’ve been fucked. What were you doing, drinking alone at that party anyway?” 

I crossed my arms and stayed silent, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. 

But he could see right through me. 

He glanced over at me again.

He wasn’t going to let it go. He wanted a reaction. He wanted me to admit that I needed him.

“What?” He pressed. “Somethin happen with your annoying little friends?” His voice dripped with mock concern.

I scoffed. That was it. This was my breaking point. I wanted to jump out of the car right then and there.

My fingers curled into fists in my lap, my nails dug into my palms. 

Maybe it was the heat of the moment mixed with the alcohol and rage or maybe I just wanted to scare him. Give him a taste of his own medicine. I was sick of feeling like a joke, like I had no power in anything.

“You’re really gonna act all high and mighty when YOUR dad is the one fucking underage girls?” I blurted out. 

As soon as the words left my mouth, I wished I had never said them. Waste of a wish. None of them came true that night. 

Fuck.

Nate swerved so hard I would have flown out of my seat if I wasn't buckled in.

“Jesus, Nate!”  I gasped, gripping my seat.

Silence. Heavy. Nate sped up, and started taking turns. The wrong ones. He wasn't driving to my house anymore.

My heart pounded in my chest. I swore he could've heard it. 

The car lurched as he made another sharp turn into a dimly lit parking lot. I knew that I fucked up badly and the realization that I really don’t know this guy hit me like a bullet train. 

What the fuck am i doing? 

He parked the truck.

Then slowly, he turned to face me.

His eyes were so dark. They almost looked black. I could feel goosebumps run down my arm and my breath hitched.

“Let's get this straight, you don't know shit. And if you were smart, you’d keep it that way.” 

I was petrified. I didn't want to say anything else in fear of fucking up again but I knew I had to at least try to reason with him.

I did my best to keep my eyes on him and nodded slowly.

“Nate I swear I didn't mean—“

“Say it.” He interrupted, his tone was sharp. 

“Say you don't know shit.”

I hesitated.

“I-I don't know shit. I really don't.” I finally said, my voice felt small and fragile.

His gaze stayed locked on mine for what felt like forever, even though it was probably 5 seconds.

I glanced at his knuckles, they were practically white from him gripping the steering wheel so hard. 

He let out a slow exhale and leaned back against his seat.

“Good.” 

Nate put the truck into drive and pulled out of the parking lot. I could feel my grip on the seat loosen in relief.

The ride to my house was silent. But the air was still heavy. My hands trembled in my lap. 

He pulled up in front of my house and I eagerly reached for the handle.

Click. 

My stomach dropped.

He clenched his jaw and looked me dead in the eye. 

“I could ruin your life in a second sweetheart. Don’t fuck with me or my family.”

I swallowed hard and glared back at him. His fingers lingered above the unlock button for a few seconds before finally pressing it. 

I grabbed at the handle again, ready to get the hell out of there when his voice stopped me.

“You look good tonight by the way.” 

I froze. My grip on the handle tightening. 

Did he just threaten and compliment me at the same time?

I turned to look at him and he was already grinning. Like nothing happened. Like he hadn't almost ran us off the road or scared the shit out of me.

That fucking smile.

My eyebrows immediately furrowed in confusion and anger. My heart raced and my hands were still shaking. I hopped out of his truck and looked at him one last time before slamming the door shut.

He winked at me. Motherfucker.

[berabee-writes]

the devil's plaything

authors note: this is my first ever fan fic, i've wanted to get back into writing for a while so i just thought fuck it i'll try it out. im very new to the community, so feedback & constructive criticism are appreciated. enjoy!

warning: light language, slow burn?, eventual toxic dynamics.

part one.

Friday ~ 

Nate Jacobs. The captain of our highschools football team. To some he’s a respected, confident, and charming guy. To others (specifically women) he is known as the absolute definition of toxic.

He’ll do anything to get what he wants. He might not seem like it from the outside looking in, but Nate Jacobs is strategic, he's calculated, and self aware. He knows exactly what he's doing and what he has to do to get it.

A smart girl like me should know to stay far, far away. Right?

Trust me that this was not my doing, I never wanted Nate. I never even wanted the idea of a guy like Nate.

But here I am on a friday night in Nate. Fucking. Jacobs. pickup truck.

We should probably rewind a bit.

Monday ~ 

I woke up today feeling different. Something was off. At first I blamed it on lack of sleep, but I was wrong.

I got ready for school regardless. It was a warm day so I wore my favorite dark green tank top and some denim shorts, I slicked my hair back into a ponytail and started doing my makeup.

I walked downstairs, made some toast for breakfast and left for school. But as hard as I tried, I couldn’t shake this feeling that something horrible was going to happen to me.

I blasted fleetwood mac on my drive to school, a good way to start the day. 

Class was boring per usual, I actually tried to pay attention today just to push away this sense of dread in my stomach.

Relief washed over me after the second period. Lunch, finally. I was starving for two things, food and my friends.

I was making my way through the halls to the cafeteria when I physically bumped into the devil himself. 

I mumbled a quick “sorry” and was met with a death stare.

They say looks can kill but have they ever seen a minorly inconvenienced Nate Jacobs? God I did not want to see him actually mad. 

“Watch it.” he warned under his breath. 

Did I not immediately say sorry on impact? Ugh whatever, I rolled my eyes and kept walking. What's his problem?

Maybe I inherited the mom gene of “eyes in the back of my head” or maybe it's this sense of impending doom I've felt all day but I could've sworn he was still watching me.

I looked back before I turned into the cafeteria and there he was down the hall, glaring at me. Ew. Weird. 

The rest of the school day was okay, and my nerves calmed down after eating lunch and talking with my friends. I wish I had told them about my interaction with Nate but it didn't seem important in the moment. Wrong. Again.

I ended up driving straight home after school so I could decompress and catch up on some homework. I took a hot shower and put on some music and layed down on my bed.

 I scrolled through instagram for a while and came across a picture of Nate. I felt that pit in my stomach once again. 

Why was he so intimidating? Why couldn't I help but keep staring at the photo?

I zoomed in on his face. His eyes. Those damn eyes. There was something behind them that I could feel even through the screen.

A coldness that lurked just below the surface. 

Fuck. I accidentally liked it. 

Whatever. It was on his friend's account anyway, it's not like Mckay would tell him. Right? 

Fuck. I put my phone face down on the bed and sighed. Thoughts lingered in my head. Nate Jacobs.

Who is he really? 

Tuesday ~

School was normal, the usual boring classes, lunch with friends and what not.

I glanced at Nate a few times during lunch but he didn't seem to notice me. Good. Maybe yesterday's weirdness was just that.

Weird. Nothing more.

My friends Alissa & Chloe invited me to the mall after school. Cool. Finally something to do in this fucking town.

The mall was the same as always. Fluorescent lights and the faint smell of cheap perfume and pretzels. Yum.

We walked around aimlessly, sipping iced coffees and talking shit about people from school. 

Alissa led us to victoria's secret, determined to find a very specific red lace bra.

I rarely wore bras, but we’d been in the store so long that I even started browsing. I came across a delicate looking baby pink lace bralette. Cute. Simple. Me.

I walked over to them to see if Alissa had found it yet. No luck. 

“Can’t you just get that one?” I pointed over to a red lace bra, desperate to escape.

She shot me a glare. “NO, y/n its not the same!.”

She huffed dramatically and looked over at Chloe who was shuffling through thongs. 

I sighed.

She blinked at us. “What?”.

Classic. Clueless Chloe. 

I knew that if i didn't fake an excuse to leave now i'd be here for another 45 minutes listening to 2016 ariana grande on repeat and would eventually want to blow my brains out.

I pulled out my phone and frowned.

“Ugh, my mom just texted. She needs me to grab something from the store for dinner.”

A lie. A necessary one. 

I checked out at the register, clutching my bag as I made my way out of the mall.

My phone buzzed in my other hand. An actual text from my mom. Distracted, I looked down, reading as I walked– 

Smack. 

I stumbled forward, my phone slipped from my grasp and crashed onto the floor. My bag flew from my hand and I hit the ground hard. 

“Fuck” i muttered, pushing myself up off the ground. My stomach dropped.

I think you can take a wild guess who I bumped into. again. 

You’ve got to be kidding me.

I looked up and met Nate Jacobs' amused stare. He stood there, his head tilting slightly, that ever present smugness tugging at the corner of his lips.

I hated it. His 24/7 around the clock cockiness. 

“You really gotta watch where you’re going.” he said, his voice practically dripping with condescension.

I felt my face go hot when I noticed something pink out of the corner of my eye. My pulse literally pounded in my ears.

Oh, fuck. 

The bralette. My bralette. 

It lay there sprawled across the cold mall floor between us. Just my luck! 

He reached his hand out to help me up from the ground. At least that's what I thought he was doing.

He crouched down, casually plucking it off the floor. He inspected it, his eyes flicking up to mine with that same smug grin.

“This yours?” he said, his tone mockingly polite.

I furrowed my brows and reached for my phone and stood up. 

Nate laughed, like he was amused by my embarrassment and slipped the bralette back into the bag and held it out to me.

“Thanks." I muttered through gritted teeth, snatching the bag from his hand. 

How fucking embarrassing. 

His smirk deepened.

“Anytime sweetheart.”

And just like that, he turned, walking off like nothing happened. 

I stood there confused and frozen in place. Humiliation burned at the back of my throat, but beneath it lurked something darker. Something, I didn't want to name.

Nate Jacobs was toying with me.

And I had no idea why.